Photographer Reveals the Secrets of Japanese Sumo in an Enlightening Book

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

It is not out of the ordinary to see ‘rikishi' walking in the vicinity of their ‘beya' sporting ‘mawashi' post workout.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The story of sumo goes back centuries. But despite it being considered Japan's national sport and even being recognized by the International Olympic Committee, little is known about the world of the wrestlers. London-born photographer Lord K2 was granted unprecedented access to capture the more secretive side of rikishi—that is, professional sumo wrestlers–and compiled his evocative pictures in a new photography book simply titled Sumo.

“Within the Japanese establishment exists a great sense of pride that during the last millennium very little about the sport has changed”, explains Lord K2 in the book's introduction. “As Japan has surged forward into modernity, this corner of culture has remained anchored to ancient tradition. Sumo is an entity in which history, culture, pride and athleticism combine.”

While matches attract large crowds these days, what goes on behind the scenes is more guarded. “Sumo stables are not tourist attractions; only a few stables can be visited, and only as long as the list of behavioural restrictions is strictly adhered to,” explains the photographer.

As he shows us their training stables, known as beya, as well as Kokugikan Stadium, regarded as sumo's top venue, Sumo shares the nuances and obstacles of the sport. It fell out of popularity at the beginning of the century and came roaring back, but it's increasingly difficult to attract Japanese youngsters into the sport given the gruesome routines the rikishi take on. Additionally, the life expectancy of a sumo wrestler is 10 years less than the average Japanese man because they are more prone to high blood pressure and other ailments.

“Those who dedicate themselves to the sport give not only their body but their lives. They give themselves as a relic, an offering to the past masters and gods. Rikishi are not just wrestlers, they are the antiquated, traditional Japanese gentlemen. A century after the last samurai, their cousins live on,” declares Lord K2. “Wrestlers are highly revered by their fans, not just for their sporting prowess, but also for the nobility and dedication with which they live their lives.”

Sumo is published by Ammonite Press. The book is already available in the UK, and it's being released globally in March 2023. You can pre-order it on Bookshop.

Photographer Lord K2 was granted unprecedented access to capture the more secretive side of sumo.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

Even though ‘rikishi' have a fierce demeanour when performing, they are seen by the public as gentle giants and may display an affectionate side.

His compelling images now are part of Sumo, a new photography book published by Ammonite Press.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

Fans fill the Kokugikan Stadium to capacity in order to honour Kyokutenhō during his ‘danpatsushiki.' The next generation looks up in awe at one of the all time favourites.

“As Japan has surged forward into modernity, this corner of culture has remained anchored to ancient tradition. Sumo is an entity in which history, culture, pride and athleticism combine,” explains Lord K2.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

Lower ranked ‘rikishi' return to their ‘beya' by train after competing in a tournament.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

A ‘rikishi' struggles to his feet during a ‘butsukari-geiko' session. Wrestlers regularly push each other to their limits of physical endurance in training sessions in order to become formidable warriors.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

‘Rikishi' at the Kise ‘beya' go through a final drill to wrap up training.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

Okinoumi Ayumi entertains his fellow wrestlers outside Hakkaku ‘beya' in Ryogoku. Even though sumo wrestlers take their careers very seriously, outside of work they are often playful and relatively approachable.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

Wrestlers perform ‘shikiri-naoshi' before the bout commences.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

A rikishi collapses with exhaustion during a ‘butsukarigeiko' session with Georgian wrestler Gagamaru Masaru at the Kise ‘beya.'

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

‘Rikishi' sit patiently outside their ‘beya' on a hot summer’s day as they await breakfast after training.

Photographer Unveils the Secrets of the World of Sumo in New Book

‘Sumo' by Lord K2, Ammonite Press, RRP £20/ $29.95, available now in the UK and globally from March 2023.

Watch the book trailer below.

Lord K2: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Ammonite Press

Related Articles:

Adorable Toddler Wins a “Fight” Against a Professional Sumo Wrestler and Receives a Round of Applause

This Japanese Hotel Hosts Yoga Classes in Its Breathtaking Art Gallery

Stunning Photography Book Highlights the Haunting Beauty of Forgotten Places

Man Spends 40 Years Photographing Japanese Parents and Children to See How They Evolve

Regina Sienra

Regina Sienra is a Staff Writer at My Modern Met. Based in Mexico City, Mexico, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with specialization in Journalism from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She has 10+ years’ experience in Digital Media, writing for outlets in both English and Spanish. Her love for the creative arts—especially music and film—drives her forward every day.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content